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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Private Security Officer in California is $53,298 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.
However, a Private Security Officer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Private Security Officer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $58,233 | $4,853 | $1,120 | $28 |
| Average | $53,298 | $4,441 | $1,025 | $26 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,724 | $4,144 | $956 | $24 |
Allied Universal - Tustin, CA
Juggernaut Private Security - Santa Rosa, CA
Juggernaut Private Security - San Jose, CA
Juggernaut Private Security - Oakland, CA
A Private Security Officer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Private Security Officers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Private Security Officer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Construction and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Private Security Officer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Private Security Officer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction | $69,287 | $33.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $66,622 | $32.0 | 25% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $63,958 | $31.0 | 20% |
| Business Services | $61,293 | $29.0 | 15% |
| Healthcare | $58,628 | $28.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Private Security Officer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $58,233 | $4,853 | $1,120 | $28 |
| Average | $53,298 | $4,441 | $1,025 | $26 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,724 | $4,144 | $956 | $24 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Private Security Officer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
American Custom Private Security, Inc.
Sunnyvale, CA
American Custom Private Security, Inc. | Sunnyvale, CA
Company Overview: American Custom Private Security, Inc (ACPS) is a well-established for-profit corporation founded in 2008, providing both commercial and ... more
8 Days Ago
Code 4 Private Security Inc
Santa Ana, CA
Code 4 Private Security Inc | Santa Ana, CA
Job Description. Job Description. About Company. Join the Code 4 Private Security Team: Where Integrity Meets Opportunity. At. Code 4 Private Security. we’... more
10 Days Ago
Protect-US Private Security
Los Angeles, CA
Protect-US Private Security | Los Angeles, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Description. Protect-US is hiring for Armed Security Guards in the Los Angeles, CA area. This location is posted in West ... more
7 Days Ago
Redwood Private Security
San Bernardino, CA
Redwood Private Security | San Bernardino, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Job Description. Position responsibilities. Vehicle patrol of assigned City parks, City office buildings, and/or City fac... more
7 Days Ago
Code 4 Private Security Inc
Chino, CA
Code 4 Private Security Inc | Chino, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Job Title. Security Officer – Residential Community (Overnight Shift). Location. Chino, CA. Company. Code 4 Private Secur... more
7 Days Ago
FTS Private Security and Patrol Services
San Gabriel, CA
FTS Private Security and Patrol Services | San Gabriel, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Benefits. Paid time off. Training & development. UPDATED: 11/06/2024. SECURITY DETAIL: SECURITY GUARD POSITION FOR PARKI... more
7 Days Ago
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